Association News

By Sue Riseling, Executive Director

Canada and the United States are the two countries with the largest membership within IACLEA. They also have in common their observation of Black History Month in February. This designation falls this month because both Frederick Douglass, American orator and abolitionist, and Abraham Lincoln, 16^th president of the United States—were born in the same week in February.  Black History Month can be traced to 1926, when the idea of setting aside a month to recognize the contributions of African Americans and African Canadians began.

Just as the institutions we serve prioritize inclusivity, IACLEA seeks diversity among individual members, institutional members, and Association leadership. IACLEA’s first African American president was Billy T. Norwood, Howard University, from 1978-1979. Fortunately for IACLEA, we have had several African American presidents since. In 1988, Arnold Trujillo, University of Colorado, Colorado Springs, became the first Hispanic American president. Roger Serra, University of Washington, was the first Asian-Pacific American president for the 1991-92 term. The first and only Canadian president was Yvon McNicoll, University of Ottawa, in 1996-97. Dolores Stafford, George Washington University, was IACLEA’s first woman president, from 2003-2004.  Again, IACLEA has been fortunate to have had several female presidents since. 

February’s focus on Black History Month reminds us of the strength in diversity by all measures and the contributions of all people to our profession, Association, and world.  IACLEA currently has members in 15 countries.  The value in learning from one another cannot be overstated.  Establishing networks, bridging the gaps in information, preparing for global trends, teaching each other promising practices all are enhanced when coming from a variety of backgrounds, experiences, and ways of life.  We also all benefit when those who accomplish something notable are recognized and celebrated for their contributions and successes.

The value in learning from one another cannot be overstated. Establishing networks, bridging the gaps in information, preparing for global trends, teaching each other promising practices all are enhanced when coming from a variety of backgrounds, experiences, and ways of life.

Capitol Hill Day, March 7, 2018

IACLEA will head to Capitol Hill on March 7^th to meet with US Representatives and Senators on the key issues affecting IACLEA’s membership.  The entire Board of Directors and members of IACLEA’s Government Relations Committee will hold the first IACLEA Congressional Briefing.  Experts from NASPA and the Clery Center, along with D Stafford and Associates, will join IACLEA leadership as we host an important educational session for Members of Congress and their staff. 

On March 8 we will meet with several representatives of federal agencies to discuss ways in which we can partner with the federal government to advance campus public safety. Also on March 8, we will tour the US Holocaust Museum and have a special session with the Anti-Defamation League. 

Training—Universal Issues

In January IACLEA held three in-depth sessions on trauma informed sexual assault investigations.  All three were well attended, and the initial reviews are overwhelmingly positive. These important trainings will be a staple of our training program. We will convene training on dealing with mental health issues on campus during   April.  Watch the calendar on iaclea.org for more information.  This will be the second in our Universal Issues series. 

IACLEA events, trainings, conferences, and other programs strive to serve our diverse membership in their goal of enhancing campus public safety. The staff, Board, and I welcome your feedback on how we’re doing…and how we can do it better.